MPV Commentary
Read the modernized Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary, aligned with each Bible book and chapter, in clear, updated English.
Currently viewing commentary for Acts 11
Read the modernized Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary, aligned with each Bible book and chapter, in clear, updated English.
Currently viewing commentary for Acts 11
The Gospel Being Preached to Gentiles at Antioch Also
19. Those who had been scattered abroad due to the persecution that arose about Stephen traveled as far as Phenice and Cyprus, where they preached the word.
20. Some of these men were from Cyprus and Cyrene, including Lucius, mentioned in Acts 13:1. They spoke to the Greeks, or uncircumcised Gentiles, who had been part of the early church from its inception.
21. A great number believed, demonstrating that the accession of Cornelius and his party was not the first admission of uncircumcised Gentiles into the Church. In fact, this event was part of a larger movement of the Gospel among the Gentiles, which had been growing in success.
22. The church at Jerusalem sent Barnabas to Antioch as far as Phenice, implying that he visited churches along the way. His mission was likely one of inquiry, and his background as a "Grecian" from Cyprus made him an ideal candidate for this task.
23. When Barnabas saw the grace of God in the new converts, he was glad and rejoiced in it as divine. He exhorted them to cleave unto the Lord with purpose of heart, rather than following a hasty or fickle discipleship.
24. Barnabas was a good man, meaning that he was large-hearted and liberal-minded, rising above narrow Jewish sectarianism. This was evident because he was full of the Holy Ghost and of faith. As a result, many people were added unto the Lord through his ministry.
25. Then Barnabas departed to Tarsus to seek Saul, who had been sent there earlier by Barnabas himself among others to escape persecution in Jerusalem. Barnabas recognized Saul's unique gifts and endowments, which would later make him a prominent figure in the church. Instead of returning to Jerusalem, Barnabas traveled to Tarsus, found Saul, and returned with him to Antioch.
26. Together, they labored as co-pastors of the Church in Antioch, achieving great success for the Gospel. The community there became known as the birthplace of the term "Christian," which originated among the heathen in Antioch and was later adopted by the Romans. This name honored Christ as their only Lord and Savior, dwelling continually on His name and glorying in it.